Every Artist Who Won The VMA Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award

The VMAs took a break from presenting their Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award amid the pandemic, but it's back and better than ever in 2022, as Nicki Minaj is set to receive the prestigious honor at the awards ceremony. August 28. The occasion made us think of all the other musicians who have received VMA recognition over the years. The Vanguard was established in 1984 and renamed after Jackson in 1991; it recognizes artists' overall achievements in music and film, and there were actually two early winners: David Bowie and the Beatles.

While there has been much debate about who probably should have a Vanguard award but who doesn't, it's not awarded every year and has sometimes been billed as a lifetime achievement award. The best thing about the Vanguard Award is seeing how artists celebrate and embrace them. Beyoncé performed nearly her entire self-titled album; Kanye West almost ran for President of the United States; Justin Timberlake essentially raised *NSYNC from the dead; and Lady Gaga had us throwing wine on TV when she presented an award to Britney Spears while dressed as her male alter ego, Jo Calderone.

Keep reading to see all the artists who have brought home the coveted Moon Person over the years, then check out even more unforgettable moments from the MTV VMAs.

Every Artist Who Won The VMA Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award

The VMAs took a break from presenting their Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award amid the pandemic, but it's back and better than ever in 2022, as Nicki Minaj is set to receive the prestigious honor at the awards ceremony. August 28. The occasion made us think of all the other musicians who have received VMA recognition over the years. The Vanguard was established in 1984 and renamed after Jackson in 1991; it recognizes artists' overall achievements in music and film, and there were actually two early winners: David Bowie and the Beatles.

While there has been much debate about who probably should have a Vanguard award but who doesn't, it's not awarded every year and has sometimes been billed as a lifetime achievement award. The best thing about the Vanguard Award is seeing how artists celebrate and embrace them. Beyoncé performed nearly her entire self-titled album; Kanye West almost ran for President of the United States; Justin Timberlake essentially raised *NSYNC from the dead; and Lady Gaga had us throwing wine on TV when she presented an award to Britney Spears while dressed as her male alter ego, Jo Calderone.

Keep reading to see all the artists who have brought home the coveted Moon Person over the years, then check out even more unforgettable moments from the MTV VMAs.

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